Vergas EDA/HRA discusses fundraising for daycare project
News | Published on March 24, 2026 at 2:15pm EDT | Author: frazeevergas
0By Robert Williams
Editor
The Vergas Economic Development Authority (EDA) / Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA) continued discussions on the group’s primary goal of providing sustainable daycare in Vergas at its monthly meeting on Wednesday, March 18.
Discussions included multiple options for creating the building that will house the daycare(s), with the most useful proposition being to move forward with a stick-built duplex that can house two separate daycare services.
A gap in potential state grant funding has also complicated issues with expectations going into 2026 of there being upwards of approximately $300,000 being available. That number has dwindled to roughly $100,000 in a very competitive market for the grants.
“The main thing is really kicking off a fundraising campaign,” said Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA) Representative Katie Gehring.
Gehring presented a long-form packet full of information that would be provided during the fundraising campaign, which included a project snapshot, potential sponsorship opportunities, a child care need analysis and the core values of the Growing Up Vergas campaign.
“The point is to have some transparency and answer questions about the project,” she said.
Providing information to the public is a concern after hearing chatter from the public, like questioning how much of their tax money will be going to the daycare project.
“The answer is none,” said President Bruce Albright.
The answer the EDA/HRA is waiting on is if there will be grant funds available, something that will be decided mid-summer. The caveat being the day that information is shared also starts a one-year timeframe to complete the project
“I think as many of our ducks that we can get lined up in a row before that June 30 or July 1 date and start the fundraising,” Albright said.
A tangential question is what to do if the grant is not approved. According to Gehring, there are other grant avenues to pursue.
After a brief discussion, board members agreed upon an estimated fundraising total amount of $500,000 for the daycare project, including any and all grant funds.
The ERA/HRA plans to kick off its fundraising efforts at its upcoming annual meeting. The meeting will be held Wednesday, April 29, at 5:30 p.m., at Billy’s Corner Bar and Grill.
Local grants
A business improvement grant request of $5,000 was approved to pave the lot of Vergas Auto. An estimate of the total project is $20,000.
The grant funds for exterior improvements to Vergas businesses and other entities were part of a combination of funds donated by Vergas State Bank, Vergas Community Club and CEDA totaling $25,000 with a match from Otter Tail County to total $50,000.
The funds have nearly been completely used. There remains enough for two more improvement grants.